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In January 2011, I was ready for something new. It was 3 ½ years after Tim’s stroke and I felt that God was calling me into a new chapter in my life. Tom was off at school, Caitie was a junior in high school and Tim was very self-sufficient. On January 12, 2011, the first anniversary of the horrific 7.0 earthquake in Haiti, I was rolling over in my sleep when I heard a voice say, “Go to Haiti.” I immediately got up out of bed and did what Americans do when they hear a call from God, I Googled, “Spring Break Trips to Haiti”. And lo and behold, I found one – Believer’s World Outreach (www.believersworld.com) and now to share this with my family. I remember us going out to dinner and me telling Tim and Caitie about my call and how certain I was that this was from God as I have rarely felt such clarity. They were somewhat speechless and had some reservations, but they supported me completely in my quest to answer God’s call.

I did some more research on Believers’ World Outreach and mailed them a check for half of the cost of the trip. I was headed to Haiti! The plans were to work in an orphanage in the mountains outside of Port-au-Prince. In late February in advance of the March 20, 2011, the US State Department issued an extreme travel advisory for Haiti, presidential election. “Not so fast,” said God. My trip was rerouted to the Dominican Republic. This was an amazing spiritual trip as we witnessed about God’s love and on a Sunday morning radio show, I even, with the help of a translator, was able to share Tim’s story of God’s amazing faithfulness and healing. I returned home full of God’s love and the Holy Spirit, but I still hadn’t fulfilled God’s call.

In June 2011, a friend told me of a trip to Haiti that was being organized by a group of American Airlines’ employees. The trip would be going to an orphanage in Lamardelle, a community outside of Port-au-Prince. Ok, this surely was going to be the trip! Caitie even decided to go with me. How could a week be more rewarding? Helping orphans in Haiti alongside my daughter. The trip was planned, we were packed and then Hurricane Irene decided to pay a call to the Caribbean. “Not yet,” said God. The trip was cancelled.

Fast forward to May 2012, I finally touched the soil of the Republic of Haiti! American Airlines paid for our trip as we completed an assessment trip in advance of a fall 2012 adult work trip. Creekwood’s own Mike Clark, even got to lend his expertise and go with me. I spent less than 24 hours in the country, but the trip further fanned the flames of my heart for Haiti. “Wait for it,” said God. The work trip never came to fruition though I was able to send some supplies with a group that went in June 2012. I touched the soil and I sent supplies but was still not satisfied that I had fulfilled God’s call.

In March 2013, the planning began again for a trip scheduled for June 2013 back to Lamardelle. So many people at Creekwood knew of my call and the word began to spread about my trip. The closer I came to the June, the more I felt that this might actually happen. You see this time, I wasn’t going alone! I was representing a church. I was delivering gifts — pillowcase dresses from Wednesday Bible Study, baby clothes from the deacons, shorts and sporting equipment from the softball team, soccer uniforms from a Dallas businessman, baby formula from family, friends and neighbors and checks, lots of checks to complete much needed repairs. And once again, American Airlines came through! AA donated airfare and gave us all a baggage waiver so that we could each take 4 checked bags. The group of 23 exceeded its fund raising goal and delivered over 70 checked bags full of much needed supplies. But most importantly, we brought joy to the lives of 40 children that don’t see much joy.

God taught me that God’s call is not about crossing some finish line to be able to say, “There. I did it!” and wear a “Finishers” t-shirt. No, God’s call is in God’s time. God wasn’t calling me to be impetuous or impulsive. God was calling me to be faithful. God kept saying, “Wait for it. Wait for it.” And I kept trying to make it happen. God had something much bigger in mind than my idea of “There. I did it. I answered God’s call.” When I did finally wait for it, I was able to deliver blessings on behalf of scores of people. I was able to go in their place. I was able to be their hands and feet and hearts in this crazy little mixed up corner of the Kingdom. And it was all in God’s time and it was so much more beautiful and meaningful and special than I could have ever imagined because it was God’s vision all along.

COMMENT:The Hamletts are prayer partners to Sierra Care for the past five years. Marian has a passion to helping the very poor. In the twin cities of Dallas/Fort Worth, Marian is active in food drives, Christmas baskets for the poor, and supporting small charities in their fundraising drives.
The above article was written by Marian Hamlett, CPA.